DNFing this series from here on out.
Yes I finished this book. No I will not be continuing.

The author is problematic against women and I really have way better things I can be reading.

I know many people who would love and enjoy this fantasy smut, and normally I would happily continue - I like everything. But why read about a woman falling in love with a man who uses her, ignores her, treats her like garbage and then romanticise it, when I can be reading about Xaden Riorson, Rhysand, Kai Azer, Rowan Whitehorn and even Zade Meadows.

Its more enjoyable reading about a woman being adored, loved, respected and desired in her entirety.

So, sorry, I am ceasing the series from here on out.

Anything Penelope writes I’m in for! I loved her books under Penelope Skye and I’m here for her as a fantasy author. She really captivates me in her writing and the narrators just take me away into another world where I can get lost in my own head for a little while. Just absolutely LOVED!

I got about 15% in until I realized this was not the first book in a series. That's completely my fault. However, the 15% I did read was fantastic! 😅 I'll definitely be picking up book 1 and starting from there!

I am loving this series! The Dragon King picks right up and we get to dive right back into this fabulous story. I love the connection between these characters and can't wait for more! The audio was so well done and I definitely recommend!

I enjoyed this book a lot. In this one the pendulum swung back to more of a fast paced story. Right in the beginning we see a battle. Not only against good and evil but also a battle of needing to prove yourself to those who doubt you while also protecting the ones you love.

Now it’s Talon’s turn to heal through intimacy and love. If you read book 2 you know why. Now a vague mini spoiler… Seeing that moment with Talon in Riviana Star where he was shown kindness and true deep gratitude. That moment pulled at my heartstrings. When he was met with an offer that should have tempted him he chose honor. That was acknowledged and truly was beautiful.

I love that Talon has a backbone and isn't just a raging ass. I mean he has his moments, don't get me wrong. But when he told the General in the queen's army “You may not like me but every man in her life has failed her. Except for me”. I definitely fist pumped in the air.

I will say this book for me, while it was enjoyable there was some unnecessary filler. I'm thinking this series could have been a trilogy instead of a quartet. There has just been too much time before the final climax… i mean there have been a lot of climaxes in the series *wink*... but all of this prep for the final battle has had a lot of lulls. Not everything needs to be 4+ books to be good.

Once we got to the big moment in this book where dragons made a decision that will change the course of fate for this human realm, I was finally like YES ABOUT TIME! Then I looked down at my phone and it said 7 min till the end of the audiobook. *annoyed kuzco face*

Callista is a little bit on my nerves at this point. TBH I think it might be the narrator. She has a very over dramatic cadence borderlining on whiney. After 3 books it is starting to get to me a little bit.

Though when she was thinking about her past she had a gem of a quote… “I remember how angry my father would get when I was a child. Then my mother would put food in front of him and within a couple min he was back to his old self.” RELATABLE AF because same.

I also feel very little chemistry between Talon and Callista at this point. I really want to root for them but I'm struggling. Possibly because of Talon's secret… *shrug* but I don’t know for sure.

Overall the series so far has been good, just a bit dragged out at this point. I will finish to see what happens.

This series is addictive! Now I'm eagerly awaiting Book 4 (on audio) so I can ease my mind at the outcome (hopefully it will be eased.... surely the major players won't die!!!). It's all heading for one hell of a conclusion.

I'm totally in love with the dragons in this book. Khazmuda is such a sweet soul and how handy would it be to have someone know you like he does. Their friendship is beautiful. We are yet to see how they will all go in battle and I hope Queen Eldinar doesn't double cross them because I have a weird vibe from her.

I've loved the relationship between Calista and Talon. There's so much honesty (apart from the major secret he's keeping...), so much love and a delicious amount of spice (Good God, those scenes...*fans herself*...) Perfectly paced, beautifully written and always engaging, this series is perfect for me. Bring on the last book. I'm ready! (Am I though?! I feel like it's going to be really emotional!!)

I want to start by saying I loved this book. This series has me completely hooked. Enemies to lovers, dragons, villainous mmc, dual pov, spice….this series has it all. But Talon made me so mad this book. Calista…girl….you deserve BETTER. I want book two Talon back…jk. I literally can’t wait for the fourth to come out because that cliff hanger got me.

When I first began The Death King I didn’t love the narration.…but it has soo grown on me. The narrators are Calista and Talon to me. They do a great job portraying the characters and their emotions.

A slow beginning, but aound halfway through things got wild!
The spice is spicy - and defently a dark romantasy!
Great Narrators! I'll defently be back for the fourth The Dragon Queen!

The Death King ⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Blood of Dragons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Dragon King ⭐️⭐️⭐️

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️

🐉Dragons
💀Battles
🐉Dual POV

This was a very good continuation of this series. I love that we got to see the growth between the two MCs. I enjoyed the battles that were present in this book.

I love that the Dragon King finally told someone his burden. The unexpected friendship that forms in this one was needed. I don’t think I could have agreed with a redemption for the Queen without the friendship.

The ending was predictable but I am enjoying where this story is going.

I can’t wait for the next one.

The female narrator does a phenomenal job throughout the whole book. I also don’t mind her voicing the male parts. Her voice has so much emotion that I feel everything. If she would have voiced the whole book I would have enjoyed it all the same.
I do enjoy the male narrator in this book, however he is not how I would envision the death king’s voice. Overall I think he does a good job.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

This was an amazing continuation of this series. I really enjoyed the story and how epic it was. This was an amazing read.

I couldn't wait to get my proverbial hands on this audiobook! This has been such a exciting series to listen to! Penolope Barsetti created one of her best antiheroes in Talon the Death King.

I love an epic battle and Talon slayed in all the ways in this story. He proved himself a worthy and brave adversary and an ally in his battle with the dark elves to save the forrest. Will this battle lead to his ultimate goals - the dragons fighting for him to defeat his uncle?

Talon's clock is ticking as his showdown with his uncle leads him closer into the waiting arms of the God of the Underworld. How will he tell Clarissa and his dear dragon the truth about his fate?

The narration was so dramatic and emotional, it really made me feel for the characters even more. They make this book a thrill to listen to.

I am on pins and needles to see how this final epic battle concludes and how/if Talon is able to escape the God of the Underworld's evil clutches.

Thank you Dreamscape Media for this thrilling listen!

This series gets better with each book... and the cliffhangers get more brutal as well. That last line... 🫣 Ahhhhhh!!! So many secrets are coming to light, but the most important one remains. I can't wait to see what happens in the finale!

I don't know why I feel such a need to listen to every single one of these audiobooks. They are aggressively heterosexual and I am not a full hetero.
I find myself either giggling or tuning out the sex parts.
I do, however, love the narration. I am addicted to the performance of these narrators. I also like the battles and dragons and the drama. These are not books of substance but they are a lot of fun!
I liked this part of the series. Our couple has been reunited and they are gonna do whatever they need to do now.

I requested this based off the cover and the description had sold me 100%. I unfortunately realized this wasn't the 1st book I the series so I felt a little lost. Eventually I was able to get the gist of the story. However this wasn't my favorite. The pacing was too fast and for me the narration was not the best. The narrators were overly dramatic and it made serious scenes almost comical. If I were reading the physical copy I think this would have hit better. I am interested in the story enough that I am going to have to and a read the 1st too and try again but from this perspective it just wasn't my favorite unfortunately.


Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Penelope Barsetti has outdone herself with The Dragon King! This story is an exhilarating continuation of a series that keeps raising the stakes, building tension, and deepening the emotional connections between characters. I’m absolutely blown away by the intricate storytelling, world-building, and the undeniable chemistry between Talon and the protagonist.

From the moment Talon arrives at Riviana Star, the pace is relentless, balancing high-stakes action with tender, heartfelt moments that showcase Barsetti’s signature touch. The evolving relationship between Talon and the FMC is rich with complexity—full of loyalty, love, and lingering secrets that keep you turning the pages. Their bond, described as “an invisible rope tied in many knots,” is so poignant that you can feel the emotional tug with every interaction.

The addition of Queen Eldinar and the elves introduces a new layer of political intrigue and mistrust that adds depth to the narrative. The anticipation of the impending war with the dark elves sets a pulse-pounding backdrop for Talon’s quest. Barsetti masterfully intertwines the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and love—and the stakes are higher than ever.

Talon’s mysterious distance and the secret he holds add a tantalizing tension that leaves you on the edge of your seat, yearning for more. The FMC’s journey from resentment to unwavering support is beautifully written, showcasing her growth and the profound depth of their connection. The emotional layers in this book are unmatched, as Barsetti captures the longing and fierce dedication that binds them.

The blend of epic fantasy, romance, and the weight of hidden truths makes The Dragon King an unforgettable installment. This story continues to improve with every twist, and I can’t wait to see where Barsetti takes us next. This series is an absolute must-read, and this book has sealed my anticipation for the next adventure.

The Dragon King by Penelope Ward: A Captivating Fantasy Romance

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Penelope Ward's "The Dragon King" is a mesmerizing fantasy romance that whisks readers away to a mystical realm of magic, dragons, and forbidden love. With its lush world-building, complex characters, and slow-burn romance, this novel will captivate fans of fantasy and romance alike.

Plot:

In the land of Alderan, where dragons and humans coexist, King Ryker, a powerful dragon shifter, rules with an iron fist. Ember, a young, gifted healer, is forced to serve the king after her village is destroyed. As they navigate their complicated past and forbidden attraction, Ember and Ryker must confront ancient secrets, treacherous foes, and the fate of their world.

Positives:

1. Immersive world-building: Ward masterfully crafts a rich, detailed world, steeped in mythology and magic.
2. Complex characters: Ember and Ryker's multifaceted personalities, motivations, and backstories drive the narrative.
3. Slow-burn romance: The tantalizing, expertly paced romance will leave you breathless.
4. Moral ambiguity: Ward skillfully explores the gray areas between good and evil.
5. Strong female protagonist: Ember's growth, determination, and resilience inspire.

Negatives:

1. Pacing issues: Some sections feel rushed, while others drag.
2. Supporting character development: Secondary characters, although intriguing, deserve more depth.
3. Predictable twists: Some plot reveals feel anticipated.

Notable moments:

- Ember's initial encounter with Ryker, showcasing their palpable tension and conflicting emotions.
- The mystical bond between dragons and their riders, highlighting Ward's creative world-building.
- The heart-wrenching backstory of Ryker's past, adding depth to his character.

Quote:
"The dragon's eyes gleamed like stars in the darkness, and for a moment, I felt the world spin around us, leaving only him and me, suspended in time."

This passage exemplifies Ward's captivating writing style, weaving magic, emotion, and suspense.

Recommendation:
"The Dragon King" is perfect for fans of:

- Fantasy romance (e.g., Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo)
- Dragon-centric stories (e.g., Game of Thrones, Reign of Fire)
- Strong female protagonists (e.g., The Hunger Games, The Girl with All the Gifts)

Suggestions for improvement:

- Balance pacing to maintain consistent tension and momentum.
- Develop supporting characters further to enhance the narrative.
- Introduce more unexpected twists to surprise readers.

Overall, "The Dragon King" is a captivating, emotionally resonant fantasy romance that will leave you enchanted. With its rich world-building, complex characters, and slow-burn romance, this novel is a must-read for fans of the genre.

What a tangled web Talon has weaved that will take the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions. As the story progresses Calista and Talon become closer to the end - it is just a shame that the two have a very different idea of what the end truly means. Another chess match, another deception but in the end a true love story that will be heartbreaking to get over. And that ending - oh boy!!

I requested the audiobook on NetGalley from Dreamscape Media after viewing the book cover and reading the description. I was so excited to begin, only to quickly realize this is not, in fact, the first book of the series, but rather, the third.

I continued listening to the entire first two chapters before deciding if I would continue or not given the circumstances. I ended up choosing to continue on and I'm so glad I did!

I definitely missed the character and relationship development and world building from the first two books, but a testament to Penelope Barsetti's writing, because even though I jumped in partway through the series I didn't feel lost at all!

I really liked all the characters and loved the dragons! I am definitely interested in circling back around and starting the series from the beginning.

Narrators Ramona Master and Michael Ferraiuolo did a great job. Ramona Master always delivers a stellar performance and she did not disappoint in this one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Simply put, this book is not good… I was interested enough in the first two books, but felt like the overall quality of this one went down substantially. The narration wasn’t enjoyable and the dialogue was kind of painful.
I just didn’t enjoy this, unfortunately.